In recent reports, the idea of co-parenting has been displayed as possibly the best scenario when it comes to child custody. Because this custody method allows children to have time with both parents, Washington children may be better affected than if they spent the majority of their time with only one parent. However, many individuals who do co-parent may still find child custody situations difficult to handle.
Some parents may feel out of control when their children spend time with the other parent. They may feel as if the other parent is not treating the children in the correct manner because that parent is too harsh or too relaxed in the way he or she handles certain situations. However, parents may benefit from recognizing that there are different parenting styles and that every situation will not be handled in the same way.
Parents may also fear that they are missing out on crucial aspects of their children’s lives. It is true that when only half of a child’s time is spent with one parent certain things will be missed. On the other hand, parents may want to understand that during time away, children are able to create bonds that may not have existed or been as strong if they spend more time with only one parent.
Of course, each situation differs for the families involved, and some circumstances may warrant true concern. If a parent believes that children are being mistreated or otherwise negatively affected by a child custody arrangement, that parent may want to look into modifications. Information on when custody modifications in Washington may be made could help concerned parents determine what steps to take.
Source: The Huffington Post, “What I Wish Every Co-Parent Knew“, Karen Becker, June 19, 2015